MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The charges against the suspect in a deadly South Memphis shooting that killed the brother of Memphis rapper 'Blac Youngsta' in August 2023 have been sent to the grand jury.
Randy Ewing Jr., 28, was originally arrested by U.S. Marshals on warrants for second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and a firearm offense. The charges sent to the grand jury were lowered and include voluntary manslaughter and attempted voluntary manslaughter, according to court records. He is out of jail after posting a total of $36,000 bond on March 29.
MPD officers said Tomanuel Benson was found shot Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, in the 500 block of South Parkway East near a B.P. gas station just after 9:30 a.m. Investigators said Benson died at the scene. They said a second victim who had been shot showed up at a hospital in a private vehicle, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit said Benson and Ewing had been arguing, and when Benson turned away, Ewing shot him then fired several shots at the vehicle with the second victim and another person inside.
MPD issued warrants for Ewing and on Feb. 13, 2024, Marshals said they, along with MPD's fugitive team, searched the Lamar Ave. and Winchester Rd. area for Ewing. They said he was spotted walking along Creighton Ave., and Ewing ran. The Marshals said a Shelby County K-9 Officer gave multiple warnings, and he was eventually caught by K-9 Marko.
Investigators said Ewing had a gun on him at the time of his arrest. They said Ewing was bitten during the apprehension and treated at a hospital before being booked into the Shelby County Jail.
Marshals said Ewing also had additional warrants for violations of the sex offender registry law, evading arrest, and weapons charges. Those charges were also sent to the grand jury. According to another affidavit, Ewing was convicted in 2014 of statutory rape, but failed to report in 2022.
